504
“ Optimal design and routing of power lines; ecological, technical and eco- nomic perspectives” (OPTIPOL)
Progress Report 2009
Kjetil Bevanger, Gundula Bartzke, Henrik Brøseth, Jan Ove Gjershaug, Frank Hanssen, Karl-Otto Jacobsen, Pål Kvaløy, Roel May, Torgeir Nygård, Hans Christian Pedersen, Ole Reitan, Steinar Refsnæs, Sigbjørn Stokke, Roald Vang
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Norwegian Institute for Nature Research
“Optimal design and routing of power lines; ecological, technical and eco- nomic perspectives” (OPTIPOL)
Progress Report 2009
Kjetil Bevanger Gundula Bartzke Henrik Brøseth Jan Ove Gjershaug Frank Hanssen Karl-Otto Jacobsen Pål Kvaløy
Roel May
Torgeir Nygård
Hans Christian Pedersen Ole Reitan
Steinar Refsnæs
Sigbjørn Stokke
Roald Vang
CONTACT DETAILS
A head office 5 Trondheim way
e: +47 73 80 14 00 ax: +47 73 80 14 01
NINA Oslo Gaustadalléen 21 NO-0349 Oslo Norway
Phone: +47 73 80 14 00 Fax: +47 22 60 04 24
NINA Tromsø Polarmiljøsenteret NO-9296 Tromsø Norway
Phone: +47 77 75 04 00 Fax: +47 77 75 04 01
NINA Lillehamme NIN
NO-748 Nor Phon F
r Fakkelgården NO-2624 Lillehammer Norway
Phone: +47 73 80 14 00 Fax: +47 61 22 22 15 Bevanger, K., Bartzke, G., Brøseth, H., Gjershaug, J.O., Hanssen,
F., Jacobsen, K.-O., Kvaløy, P., May, R., Nygård, T., Pedersen, H.C., Reitan, O., Refsnæs, S., Stokke, S. & Vang, R. 2009. ” Opti- mal design and routing of power lines; ecological, technical and economic perspectives” (OPTIPOL). Progress Report 2009. – NINA Report 504. 46 pp.
Trondheim 1 December 2009 ISSN: 1504-3312
ISBN: 978-82-426-2076-7
COPYRIGHT
© Norwegian Institute for Nature Research
The publication may be freely cited where the source is ac- knowledged
AVAILABILITY
Open
PUBLICATION TYPE
Digital document (pdf)
EDITION
Kjetil Bevanger
QUALITY CONTROLLED BY
Inga Bruteig
SIGNATURE OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON
Inga Bruteig (sign.)
CLIENT(S)
Norges Forskningsråd, Statnett, NVE, EBL, DN
CLIENTS’ CONTACT PERSON(S)
Tor Arne Hafstad (NFR) Pernille Ibsen Lervåg (Statnett)
COVER PICTURE
Left: Woodpecker scaring device on a power-line pylon. Photo:
Kjetil Bevanger. Right: Illustration photo of wire marking equip- ment.
KEY WORDS
Power line, collision, electrocution, bird, eagle owl, ungulate, corridor, ROW, routing
NØKKELORD
Kraftledning, kollisjon, elektrokusjon, fugl, hubro, hjortevilt, ryd- debelte, traséføring
Abstract
Bevanger, K., Bartzke, G., Brøseth, H., Gjershaug, J.O., Hanssen, F., Jacobsen, K.-O., Kvaløy, P., May, R., Nygård, T., Pedersen, H.C., Reitan, O., Refsnæs, S., Stokke, S. & Vang, R. 2009”
Optimal design and routing of power lines; ecological, technical and economic perspectives”
(OPTIPOL). Progress Report 2009. – NINA Report 504. 46 pp.
From 2009 inclusive, NINA has received economic support for research on power lines and wildlife from the Norwegian Research Council (NFR) through the RENERGI Programme. The project is named “Optimal design and routing of power lines; ecological, technical and eco- nomic perspectives” (OPTIPOL). It is scheduled for 5 years (2009-1013) and is part of the ac- tivities within CEDREN, i.e. the Centre for environmental design of renewable energy (cf.
http://www.cedren.no). With a grid close to 200 000 km overhead power-lines, the associated rights-of-way (ROW) affect huge land areas in Norway. The overall goal is to develop predict- ing tools for optimal routing of power lines from an environmental perspective and assess technical and economic solutions to minimize conflicts with wildlife and habitat conservation.
Thus, the OPTIPOL rationale is based on the belief that the negative effects of electricity transmission and distribution can be reduced with respect to birds and mammals. OPTIPOL has several ambitious objectives, and is divided into sub-projects and specific tasks. From the first of November a PhD-student became part of the project, a position that will be held for 4 years. The main objective of the PhD-activities will be to assess how and why different wildlife species use deforested areas below power lines, evaluate possible positive and negative ef- fects of power-line ROWs, and assess the possibilities for quality improvement. Another part of the project is dedicated the effects of linear structures on movement patterns and distribution in the landscape in native deer species. Here we will examine how different spatial scales influ- ence the processes that guide movement patterns, and responses to linear structures. Another focus will be small game species, with mountain hare, capercaillie, black grouse and hazel grouse as model species. The main objective will be to assess the impact of transforming ROW habitats into attractive small-game foraging habitats. Moreover avoidance behaviour of gallinaceous birds towards power-line corridors will be studied, using capercaillie and hazel grouse as model species. Finally, mortality rates due to power-line collisions, relative to other human-related mortality factors (primarily hunting) among gallinaceous birds will be assessed, using capercaillie and black grouse as model species. Efforts to identify how topographic fac- tors, including vegetation structure, affect bird-collision risk also are part of this work package.
A wachtelhund, born in September 2009, is now being trained to locate dead birds in power- line corridors. The efforts to identify species- and site-specific factors regarding bird collisions with power lines is also the rationale behind a subproject where we are developing an online web application for registering dead bird data via Internet. We will target as many relevant us- ers as possible and existing bird-collision data from various projects in NINA will also be im- ported into the database. A functional prototype of the web application is finished, and incorpo- rates topographical maps, and the possibility of overlaying power-line maps. The work with a Least Cost Path (LCP) toolbox for optimal routing of power lines has started. A pilot LCP-GIS- toolbox has been developed and will be further developed in 2010. Data from the national power-line database from NVE has been organised for internal use in a restricted/classified database at NINA. These data are used together with ecological background data to identify case-study areas. The first stage of the work on power-line colour camouflaging and mitigating measures regarding bird collisions and electrocution are made as reviews studies and will be finalized in 2010. Guidelines for technical solutions to mitigate bird collisions and electrocution hazard have started and will be an important part of the work in 2010. The eagle-owl is used as a model species in connection to the studies of electrocution mitigating measures. The study includes use of GPS-satellite telemetry to see how the eagle owls use the pylons during hunt- ing activities. This will also give data on eagle-owl movements and electrocution rate. In 2009 3 adult and 4 juvenile eagle owls were equipped with GPS-radio transmitters.
Kjetil Bevanger ([email protected])
Sammendrag
Bevanger, K., Bartzke, G., Brøseth, H., Gjershaug, J.O., Hanssen, F., Jacobsen, K.-O., Kvaløy, P., May, R., Nygård, T., Pedersen, H.C., Reitan, O., Refsnæs, S., Stokke, S. & Vang, R. 2009”
Optimal design and routing of power lines; ecological, technical and economic perspectives”
OPTIPOL). Progress Report 2009. – NINA Rapport 504. 46 s.
Fra og med 2009 har NINA mottatt økonomisk støtte til forskning på kraftledninger og vilt fra Norges Forskningsråd via RENERGI-programmet. Prosjektet heter “Optimal design and routing of power lines; ecological, technical and economic perspectives” (OPTIPOL). Det er planlagt for 5 år (2009-2013) og er en del av aktivitetene i forskningssenteret CEDREN, dvs. Centre for environmental design of renewable energy (cf. http://www.cedren.no). Norges kraftledningsnett utgjør nærmere 200 000 km luftledninger som til sammen berører store arealer. Den overord- nede målsettingen for prosjektet er å utvikle verktøy som ut fra et miljøsynspunkt kan bidra til å optimalisere trasévalget når kraftledninger bygges, samt vurdere tekniske og økonomiske løs- ninger for å minimalisere konflikter vis-a-vis vilt og dyrenes leveområder. Bakgrunnen for pro- sjektet er m.a.o. behovet for å redusere negative effekter av kraftoverføring i forhold til fugl og pattedyr. OPTIPOL har flere ambisiøse delprosjekter som fokuserer spesifikke problemstilling- er. Fra første november ble det ansatt en PhD-student i en fireårskontrakt. Hovedfokus i til- knytning til dette arbeidet vil være aktiviteter som ser på hvordan og hvorfor ulike viltarter bru- ker ryddebeltene i tilknytning til kraftledninger, og evaluering av mulige positive og negative effekter av kraftledningsgater, samt hvordan disse kvalitativt sett kan forbedres. En annen vik- tig del av prosjektet er viet studier av hvordan terrengbruken hos hjortevilt påvirkes av lineære strukturer i tid og rom og hvordan hjortevilt responderer i forhold til romlige bruksmønstre på ulike nivå. I forhold til småvilt vil fokus være hare, storfugl, orrfugl og jerpe; arter som er egne- de modellarter i forhold til flere problemstillinger. Studiene vil fokusere på hvordan kraftled- ningsgater kan manipuleres for å bli attraktive næringshabitater for småvilt, samt eventuelle unnvikelseseffekter i forhold til kraftledningskorridorer. Dødelighetsomfang som følge av kolli- sjoner med kraftledninger, sammenlignet med andre menneskeinduserte dødelighetsfaktorer (i første rekke jakt), hos hønsefugl vil også bli vurdert med utgangspunkt i storfugl, orrfugl og jer- pe. Det vil også bli arbeidet med å identifisere hvordan bl.a. topografiske faktorer, inklusive ve- getasjonsstruktur, påvirker omfang av fuglekollisjoner. En wachtelhund, født i september 2009 blir nå spesialtrenet til å lokalisere kollisjonsdrepte fugler. Målet om å identifisere arts- og stedsspesifikke faktorer som påvirker fuglekollisjoner ligger også bak et av delprosjektene der vi utvikler en online web applikasjon for å registrere funn av døde fugler via Internett. Dette er rettet mot så mange relevante brukere som mulig. Eksisterende databaser med slike opplys- ninger fra tidligere prosjekter i NINA vil også bli innlemmet. En funksjonell prototype av web- applikasjonen er ferdigstilt og omfatter topografiske kart samt muligheter for å legge på kartlag med kraftledninger. Arbeidet med et “Least Cost Path” (LCP) verktøy for optimal traséføring av kraftledninger er også påbegynt. En pilotversjon av en ”LCP-GIS-toolbox” er utviklet og vil bli videreutviklet i 2010. Data fra den nasjonale databasen over kraftledningsnettet fra NVE er til- rettelagt for internt bruk i en database med begrenset tilgang ved NINA. Dette er data som blir benyttet sammen med økologiske bakgrunnsdata for bl.a. å identifisere optimale studieområ- der. Det innledende arbeidet med vurdering av effekter av fargekamuflering av kraftledninger og avbøtende tiltak i forhold til fuglekollisjoner og elektrokusjon er påbegynt, og omfatter så langt litteraturgjennomgang og en oppsummering av ”state-of-the-art”. Denne første fasen for- ventes avsluttet i 2010. Guidelines for tekniske løsninger for å avhjelpe elektrokusjonsfare er også kommet godt i gang og vil være en viktig del av virksomheten i 2010. Hubro brukes som modellart i tilknytning til studier av elektrokusjons- og kollisjonsproblematikk og i arbeidet med å komme frem til avbøtende tiltak som både er akseptable fra et teknisk og økologisk syns- punkt. Dette arbeidet omfatter bruk av satellittelemetri for bl.a. å studere hvordan hubro benyt- ter kraftledningsstolper under jakt. Det vil også gi data om bevegelsesmønster og elektro- kusjonsomfang. I 2009 ble 3 voksne og 4 reirunger utstyrt med radiosendere.
Kjetil Bevanger ([email protected])
Contents
Abstract ... 3
Sammendrag ... 4
Contents ... 5
Foreword ... 7
1 Introduction ... 8
2 Activities in 2009 ... 8
2.1 Kick-off meeting in Trondheim April 23 2009 ... 8
2.2 Meeting June 12 on ungulates and linear structures ... 9
2.3 PhD position ... 9
2.4 Selection of research areas ... 9
3 Subproject status and planned activities ... 10
3.1 Power-line rights-of-way (ROW) and wildlife ... 10
3.1.1 PhD project ... 10
3.1.1.1 Description of work ... 10
3.1.1.2 Research methods ... 10
3.1.2 Ungulate responses to linear structures (Postdoc project) ... 11
3.1.2.1 Description of work ... 11
3.1.2.2 Research methods ... 12
3.1.3 Power-line corridors and small game species ... 12
3.1.3.1 Description of work and research methods ... 12
3.1.4 Mortality studies ... 13
Objectives ... 13
3.1.4.1 Description of work and research methods ... 13
3.2 National infrastructure for management of dead-bird data ... 14
3.2.1 Description of work ... 14
3.2.2 Research methods ... 14
3.2.3 Activities and findings ... 14
3.2.4 Work to do ... 15
3.3 A Least Cost Path (LCP) toolbox for optimal routing of power lines ... 15
3.3.1 Description of work ... 15
3.3.2 Research methods ... 16
3.3.3 Activities and findings ... 16
3.4 Mobile radar systems ... 16
3.5 Power-line camouflaging ... 16
3.5.1 Description of work ... 17
3.5.2 Research methods ... 17
3.6 Mitigating bird collisions and electrocution ... 17
3.6.1 Description of work ... 17
3.6.2 Research methods ... 17
3.7 Guidelines for technical solutions to mitigate bird collisions and electrocution hazard 17 3.7.1 Description of work ... 17
3.7.1.1 Marking ... 18
3.7.1.2 Design ... 18
3.7.1.3 Insulating ... 18
3.7.1.4 Camouflaging ... 18
3.7.1.5 Cabling ... 18
3.7.2 Research methods ... 18
3.8 Eagle Owl ... 19
3.8.1 Description of work ... 19
3.8.2 Research methods ... 20
3.8.3 Activities and findings ... 20
4 Publications, lectures, coverage in public media and conference participation related to the project ... 23
4.1 Publications ... 23
4.2 Lectures and conference participation ... 23
4.3 Coverage in public media ... 23
5 References ... 24
6 Appendices ... 25
Foreword
From 2009 inclusive, NINA has received economic support for research on power lines and wildlife from the Norwegian Research Council (NFR) through the RENERGI Programme. The project is named “Optimal design and routing of power lines; ecological, technical and eco- nomic perspectives” (OPTIPOL). It is a capacity building project with user participation (KMB).
The project has a comprehensive and challenging goal framework, as much economic as sci- entific, and can only be carried out within a team of scientific experts with ecological as well as engineering background. Moreover, a close cooperation with the central energy and environ- mental-management authorities together with the energy sector, particularly the grid owners, is a prerequisite. Apart from the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE), the Norwegian Electricity Industry Association (EBL), and Statnett at the outset committed them- selves to contribute with an annual economic support to the project (at least 20% of the total costs). OPTIPOL is an integrated part of CEDREN – i.e. the Centre for environmental design of renewable energy. CEDREN is one of 8 Centre for Environment-friendly Energy Research (CEER) in Norway. The establishment of the CEER scheme is a direct response to the broad- based agreement on Norway's climate policy in the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget), reached early in 2008, and the adoption of the national R&D strategy Energi21. Norway has decided to earmark at least NOK 100 million per year to the CEER initiative. For the Norwegian research institutions the application process started in May 2008 and a final decision on the winners was taken by the Research Council Executive Board - 28 January 2009, and the official announce- ment was made by the Minister of Oil and Energy February 4 2009. CEDREN is a consortium with SINTEF, NTNU and NINA as key institutions. SINTEF is responsible for co-ordinating the CEDREN activities and the basic funding comes from NFR, together with users like Statkraft, Statnett, EBL, NVE etc. Thus the basic activities within CEDREN are based on the ongoing activities in OPTIPOL and 6 other KMB projects. The overall objective of CEDREN is to de- velop and disseminate effective design solutions for renewable energy production that take adequate account of environmental and societal issues, both locally and globally. The OPTIPOL project is scheduled for 5 years (2009-1013), however, because of a delayed start in CEDREN; it is likely that the project will finish in 1014.
Trondheim, 1 December 2009 Kjetil Bevanger
Project leader
1 Introduction
With an overhead power-line grid close to 200 000 km in Norway (http://www.ssb.no/elektrisitetaar/tab-2009-05-28-08.html), the associated rights-of-way (ROW) affect huge land areas. Landowners of forested areas criss-crossed by power lines generally look at these clear-felled areas as “wasteland”. However, clear-felled areas beneath the power- line conductors in forest habitats are biotopes attractive to some species. It is a challenge to improve these biotopes in a manner that attract more species; either with the purpose to in- crease species diversity as such, and/or attract game species that can be hunted and give an economic return to the landowner. Moreover, during the last 20 years power-line ROWs, to- gether with other linear infrastructure elements like roads, railways, fences and pipelines, have been subject to discussions weather they are barriers or semi-barriers creating avoidance effects to animals (e.g. Bevanger et al. 2005). It is now generally recognized and documented that hu- man encroachments and disturbance may have adverse impacts on a wide range of mammals, birds and other organisms.
The fact that birds are killed by flying into power lines has made this a “field of tension” for naturalists and scientist for many years. In the same way as power lines ties up vast land ar- eas, bird mortality due to power lines reflect both an ecological and economic problem. Birds being electrocuted may e.g. result in power outages and thus have an economic impact. The fact that several vulnerable and endangered bird species, as well as small game species are documented as common victims, gives the problem its ecological and conservational dimen- sions. Today, red-lists with updated knowledge on threatened species together with interna- tional obligations to stop the biodiversity loss, makes bird death due to electrocution or collision with power lines an obvious focal issue for energy as well as environmental managers.
The OPTIPOL rationale is based on the belief that the negative effects of electricity transmission and distribution can be reduced with respect to birds and mammals. The NINA scientists cover most of the applied ecological challenges faced. However, to develop effective mitigating meas- ures, e.g. to reduce the number of birds colliding with the overhead wires or reduce the avoid- ance effect for ungulates require a close co-operation between ecologists and engineers, deal- ing with electricity transmission. Supporting structures for power lines and a diversity of specific constructions found within the Norwegian grid system must be considered carefully in order to safeguard the stability of energy supply to the consumer and/or violate safety regulations.
OPTIPOL has several ambitious objectives, and is divided into sub-projects and specific tasks described in the project application (Appendix 1). Due to budget cuts the use of radar technol- ogy had to be suspended, witch means that some of the other project objectives based on data collection from mobile-radar systems, have to be taken out of the project or heavily modified.
We hope, however, it will be possible to raise money for this at a later stage.
2 Activities in 2009
2.1 Kick-off meeting in Trondheim April 23 2009
A one day project kick-off meeting was arranged in April (Appendix 2) where all subproject ac- tivities were presented by the responsible scientists, followed by discussions. Apart from the in- volved scientists, representatives for the users were present, i.e. Statnett (Pernille Ibsen Lervåg), EBL (Einar Wilhelmsen), NVE (Nils Henrik Johnsen) and DN (Lars Løfaldli). The County Governor in Nordland, responsible for executing the National Action Plan for the eagle owl, was also present (Mia M. Husdal). Representatives from OPTIPOL was also present on a one day work-shop focusing eagle owl in February (Appendix 3)
2.2 Meeting June 12 on ungulates and linear structures
In June a one day meeting was arranged in Trondheim focusing ungulates and linear infra- structure. The background for this meeting was the fact that there are several major projects in Norway, involving telemetry studies of reindeer (wild and domestic), moose and red deer. All these studies are based on the need for increased knowledge and understanding on how these species uses their living areas in space and time and respond to infrastructures, i.e. distur- bance and encroachments, including linear structures like roads and power lines.
From NINA the following scientists were present: Kjetil Bevanger, Roel May, Christer Moe Ro- landsen, Sigbjørn Stokke and Olav Strand. Moreover, Erling Meisingset from The Norwegian Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research (Bioforsk) and Jonathan Colman from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (Landbruksuniversitetet) attended. The minutes from the meeting is given in Appendix 4). It was agreed that OPTIPOL gives a unique opportunity to bring ungulate scientists together and look at data recorded in connection to a long range of projects in concert, and process otherwise partly resting data. The idea is that OPTIPOL may have space for a postdoc position (see 3.1.2) focusing how ungulates respond to linear struc- tures. However, the project does not have resources to manage a postdoc alone, and need additional funding. Thus, NINA has sent a letter to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Vegdirektoratet) and the Norwegian National Rail Administration (Jernbaneverket) asking for a co-operation and economic support (Appendices 5 and 6).
2.3 PhD position
The project application included a 4 year PhD-position. The position was announced in several newspapers (Adresseavisen, Aftenposten, Teknisk Ukeblad), Jobb Norge as well as on the NINA and CEDREN Internet web pages (Appendix 7). The main objective of the PhD-activities is to as- sess how and why different wildlife species use deforested areas below power lines, evaluate possible positive and negative effects of power-line ROWs, and assess the possibilities for quality improvement. Among the 15 applicants Gundula Bartzke was selected and she started her work the first of November. She is formally a PhD-student at the University of Science and Technology (NTNU), but will have NINA as her main workplace.
2.4 Selection of research areas
The selection process for research sites has been delayed due to several reasons. On the April meeting NVE signalled that they could give authorised NINA personnel access to their power- line grid database. To have all formalities in place has been a long process, but on October 21 NINA got the message from NVE that the database-use agreement was ok, and on October 29 the database was transferred to our GIS experts.
On the outset the research areas are supposed to fulfil a number of criteria: e.g. cover power lines in the range of 22 – 400 kV, crossing different habitat types from lowland to alpine areas.
They should be located in areas as close as possible to Trondheim, and they should be located within areas where running projects have radio collared ungulates (reindeer, moos, red deer).
We have now built a GIS model and are able to select sites based on specific criteria comply- ing with the objectives of the subprojects; e.g. where do we find a specific power-line category within forested habitats and elevations from 250m-750m where the number of land owners are low, the distance from human infrastructure is low etc.
3 Subproject status and planned activities
3.1 Power-line rights-of-way (ROW) and wildlife
Subproject responsibility: Sigbjørn Stokke, Roel May, Gundula Bartzke, Kjetil Bevanger, Henrik Brøseth, Hans Chr. Pedersen, Eivin Røskaft
Objectives:
• Assess methods for transforming power-line ROW habitats into attractive habitats for birds and mammals and high quality wildlife biotopes.
• Assess bird and mammal movements along and across power-line corridors. Are power-line ROWs ecological corridors or barriers?
• Assess bird mortality due to collisions with power lines and identify topographic fac- tors, including vegetation structure, trigging high collision risk.
The following research activities are planned to take place:
3.1.1 PhD project
Subtask responsibility: Gundula Bartzke, Sigbjørn Stokke, Kjetil Bevanger, Roel May, Hans Chr. Pedersen, Eivin Røskaft
Objectives:
Assess how and why different wildlife species use deforested areas below power lines, evalu- ate possible positive and negative effects of power-line ROW, and assess the possibilities for quality improvement.
3.1.1.1 Description of work
Habitat quality for many forest-related species can be improved by retaining structures allowing continued use in the power-line ROW. A challenge related to power-line clear-cut corridors in forested habitats is edge or ecotone effects. Edge effects related to silvicultural activities and other human-driven systems are poorly known for many species and this question applies in particular to the clear-cutting practice beneath the phase conductors. We therefore propose to assess the present value of power lines as wildlife biotopes and experimentally seek for treat- ment regimes of the extant vegetation to increase their value as attractive recourses for wildlife and hence make these areas more valuable for land owners.
Thus, the main objectives of this PhD is to assess how and why different wildlife species use power-line ROWs, evaluate possible positive and negative effects of power-line ROWs, and assess the possibilities for improving their quality as wildlife biotopes as such. The study will
• assess wildlife densities along and in the vicinity of power-line ROWs
• evaluate animal responses to power-line ROWs in relation to successional stages of vegetation in clear-cut corridors
• carry out experimental pruning of vegetation within power-line ROWs in order to find clear-cutting regimes having positive effects on wildlife
3.1.1.2 Research methods
• Estimate density of species along power-line ROWs and adjacent areas using Distance sampling
• Record animal behaviour by following tracks in the snow along power-line ROWs dur- ing winter time and stalking of radio-collared deer and possibly applying infrared video techniques during summer time
• GPS-collaring of gallinaceous birds (see also 3.1.3)
• Apply existing GPS relocations from radio-collared deer (moose, red deer, and wild and domestic reindeer; see also 3.1.2)
• Quantify vegetation in natural successional stages in clear-cut corridors below power- line ROWs
• Carry out experimental pruning of vegetation within power-line ROWs
• Apply capture-recapture techniques on small rodents along power-line ROWs
Several master students will be involved in the work. Three types of power-lines ROWs have been defined on which this subproject will focus: national high-tension routes (220-420 kV), regional high-tension routes (66-132 kV), and the distribution grid (22 kV). These three types represent three different levels of tension, and have contrasting differences in width of the ROW corridors. At the moment the exact locations of the study sites are decided upon.
3.1.2 Ungulate responses to linear structures (Postdoc project)
Subtask responsibility: Sigbjørn Stokke, Roel May
Objectives:
Assess the effects of linear structures on movement patterns and distribution in the landscape in native deer species. Within the scope of this project, we will examine how different spatial scales influence the processes that guide movement patterns, and responses to linear struc- tures. This will be done by comparing different spatial responses to linear structures in func- tionally different species (wild and domestic reindeer, moose, red deer). This project has great relevance to elucidate the effects of linear structures on these species, and will provide advi- sory information for the adaptive management in minimizing detrimental fragmentation effects while maximizing traffic safety. The results can be implemented to direct mitigation measures along linear structures.
3.1.2.1 Description of work
Although many large ungulates are able to persist in multiple-use landscapes, they do possess characteristics making them vulnerable to habitat fragmentation due to infrastructure like roads, railways and power lines. Species-specific responses to linear structures are difficult to predict, due to differences in ecology, social systems and behaviour. The complex interactions be- tween landscape and movement patterns must be studied at different spatial scales. Move- ment pattern analyses will be based on intensive GPS data (large high resolution datasets from moose, red deer and wild and domestic reindeer are available), to deduce species-specific be- havioural responses that can be correlated with distance or cumulative effects of linear struc- tures.
This makes it possible to analyse how the animals move relative to linear structures (e.g.
power lines, fences, roads and railways) within different habitats and ecosystems. Moreover, by modelling the animal movement relative to roads and railways it is possible to identify high risk collision areas where ungulate crossings are likely to take place (based on the central reg- ister for ungulates and dead wildlife (hjorte- og fallviltregisteret)). By selecting on crossing time it is possible to predict collision high risk periods during the day. Moreover, it will be possible to identify seasonal variation and identify collision high risk habitats. It will also be possible to see how the movement patterns of the animals are modified by fences built along the roads and clear-cut areas to increase roadside visibility.
During this year the general framework of the proposed subproject has been set up and dis- cussed with representative from the different GPS-projects during a meeting. This framework has been sent to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens Vegvesen) and the Norwegian National Rail Administration (Jernbaneverket) for possible additional funding. So far, the finances of this subproject are not in place, and will be further elaborated on next year.
Because this subproject may partly be financed through the OPTIPOL-project a start can be made on the organisation of data and preparation to the analyses.
3.1.2.2 Research methods
On-going projects on wild and domestic reindeer, moose, and red deer have over the last years built up unique data sets from GPS-collared individuals which are so intensive (one relo- cation per hour) that for the first time they can elucidate fine-scale movements of these wildlife species in contrasting landscapes (mountainous, forest, coastal and agricultural multiple-use landscapes). The main objective is to address six aspects important for rendering a better un- derstanding of how linear structures influence species’ movement patterns at different spatial scales and its applicability to transportation management, being:
1. Behavioural responses. Do the different species behaviourally respond to the proximity of (different types of) linear structures and at what response-distances do their movement patterns change?
2. Cumulative effects. Do the cumulative effects of parallel-placed linear structures have ad- ditive and/or compensatory effects on behavioural responses and response-distances in the different species?
3. Boundary effects. Do linear structures form important features for home-range delinea- tion, and therefore affect each species’ distribution in the landscape?
4. Demographic effects. Are the different species’ behavioural responses, response dis- tances and home-range delineations affected by demographic parameters such as popula- tion density, gender, age and season?
5. Identification of hot-spots. Can a species’ movement pattern be used to identify hot- spots / high-risk areas for collisions along linear structures?
6. Effectiveness of measures. How do clearing regimes/mitigation measures (e.g. fences, vegetation removal) affect behavioural responses and response-distances and/or location and intensity of hot-spots?
3.1.3 Power-line corridors and small game species
Subtask responsibility: Henrik Brøseth, Kjetil Bevanger, Frank Hanssen, Roel May, Sigbjørn Stokke, Hans Chr. Pedersen, Gundula Bartzke, Ole Reitan, Roger Meås
Objectives:
1. Assess the impact of transforming ROW habitats into attractive foraging habitats for small game species (with mountain hare, capercaillie, black grouse and hazel grouse as model species).
2. Assess avoidance behaviour of gallinaceous birds towards power-line corridors (with capercaillie and hazel grouse as model species).
3. Assess mortality rates due to power-line collisions, relative to other human related mor- tality factors (primarily hunting) in gallinaceous birds (with capercaillie and black grouse as model species).
3.1.3.1 Description of work and research methods
1. Density estimation by distance sampling in three different ROW habitats (untreated, frequent cutting and ecotone) to test for differences in utilisation of different ROW habi- tats for foraging in autumn and winter/spring during a four year period. Supplementary quantify the availability of food such as berries (autumn forage) and twigs (winter for- age). Distance sampling twice a year according to different forage (autumn and win- ter/spring)
2. Movement patterns of tetraonid species in relation to avoidance behaviour relative to power lines will be studied during a four year period by extensive use of radio telemetry
using both continuous GPS-logging (capercaillie) and traditional VHF-transmitters (ha- zel grouse).
3. In an intensively studied area (30-50 km2) we will over a four year period census the population of capercaillie and black grouse by transect sampling of droppings for DNA identification in winter/spring and lek counts. Simultaneously, power lines in the area will be searched for dead birds killed by flying into the overhead wires using special trained dogs. By DNA identification of the dead birds (collisions victims and hunted birds) we will get estimates of different human related mortality rates in the population.
Annual survival estimates from the capture-recapture DNA-design will be used to com- pare the risk of collision mortality relative to distance to power lines.
3.1.4 Mortality studies
Subtask responsibility: Henrik Brøseth, Kjetil Bevanger, Frank Hanssen, Pål Kvaløy, Hans Chr. Pedersen, Gundula Bartzke, Ole Reitan, Roger Meås
Objectives
The overall objective for this subproject is to assess bird mortality due to collisions with power lines and identify topographic factors, including vegetation structure, trigging high collision risk.
3.1.4.1 Description of work and research methods
Gallinaceous birds together with some other species groups are proved to be over-represented among power-line collision victims (Bevanger 1998). Searches for injured or dead victims in or near power lines are necessary to assess the number of victims and estimating species- specific collision risks, together with mortality extent and population impact. Moreover, to be able to identify topographic and external factors that influence the collision-risk factors, it is necessary to have detailed information on the place where collisions take place. This problem is addressed through several subprojects in OPTIPOL. Available data as well as new data will be the basement for modelling how birds use the terrain and thus enable – by means of GIS- tools - to predict what topographic structures and habitats that should be avoided when new power lines are routed.
The main method used to find power-line collision victims is criss-crossing patrols beneath the phase conductors in the clear-cut corridor. To be efficient in the effort to find dead birds searches have to be accompanied by a special trained dog. These are dogs trained to have a search image of groups of feathers and dead birds, and they will show the dog handler where there is a bird or remains of a bird. In NINA one dog – a riesenschnauzer, so far is especially trained for this (Luna, owner Ole Reitan) and used at both wind turbines and power lines. A new dog is recently bought and the training has started. This is a wachtelhund, born in Sep- tember 2009 (owner Roger Meås).
Although the search regime has to be adapted to the local conditions, there are several factors to be aware of when dead bird searches are carried out. Local ‘bias tests’ designed and fitted to specific conditions and target species are needed to obtain corrections that would be broadly accepted regarding the extent of mortality. The main variables connected with counts of dead birds can be divided into three categories; performance, site-specific and object variables (Bevanger 1999).
Performance variables include factors connected with the number of participating field workers (including dogs), the personal skill and experience of the field workers, and how the patrol is conducted, i.e. the search pattern and time used, but also the external conditions. Site-specific variables and habitat bias is connected to local conditions (geographical, topographical, mete- orological, technical, faunistical and vegetational), and are always crucial for the validity and reliability of data on mortality caused by power lines. However, in general, what is called the habitat bias is considered to be the most important site-specific variable.
A particularly important site-specific variable is the removal of collision victims by scavengers.
To minimise the effect of scavengers, the search regime will be adjusted to local conditions based on knowledge of scavenger species and their life-history patterns. The size of the vic- tims and the scavenger species present are additional important factors for the removal pattern and the probability that the patroller and the dog will discover remains of collision victims or other evidence revealing that a collision has occurred. "Small" birds like willow ptarmigan can e.g. be expected to have a faster turnover than larger ones such as capercaillie which is not easily removed by scavengers without leaving feather remains. Birds may also sustain injuries in strikes which are not immediately fatal, allowing them to continue flying (or walking) for some distance making them hard to find during patrols, despite the use of highly trained bird dogs. In order to obtain information on scavenger removal bias, cameras will be located at bird car- casses as well.
3.2 National infrastructure for management of dead-bird data
Subproject responsibility: Pål Kvaløy, Roald Vang, Kjetil Bevanger, Henrik Brøseth, Ole Reitan
Objectives:
Establish a national infrastructure for management of dead-bird data (including birds recorded as collision and electrocution victims).
3.2.1 Description of work
• Develop and implement a SQL-server spatial database for dead-bird data
• Import existing bird-collision data from various projects in NINA. Develop an online web application for registering bird collisions via Internet to target as many relevant users as possible
• Identify species- and site-specific factors regarding bird collisions along power-lines
3.2.2 Research methods
The database and web application will be developed by NINA and made public available for a wide range of users.
3.2.3 Activities and findings
A functional database is established at NINA. The database supports spatial analysis and que- ries. Some bird-collision data in spreadsheet format from recent projects have been examined to determine a data structure which facilitates import.
It is developed a functional prototype of the web application for registering dead birds (Figure 1). It incorporates topographical maps, and also has the possibility of overlaying power-line maps. Some geocoding conversion functions are incorporated. It is possible to upload pictures of collided/dead birds.
Figure 1. Screenshot of the web application for registration of recorded dead birds.
3.2.4 Work to do
• Refine the web application and the underlying database
• Get a scheduled export from Artsdatabanken (http://artsobservasjoner.no/fugler) with data of dead birds
• Import collision data from various spreadsheets and projects in NINA
• Target as many relevant users as possible
3.3 A Least Cost Path (LCP) toolbox for optimal routing of power lines
Subproject responsibility: Frank Hanssen, Roel May Objectives:
• Identify ecological high-risk areas for bird collisions using the national dead-bird da- tabase, field observations and advanced statistical/GIS-modelling.
• Develop a LCP-desktop GIS toolbox for optimal routing of power lines based on ecological, financial and technological criteria.
3.3.1 Description of work
The GIS- toolbox for optimal routing of new power lines will implement least-cost path (LCP) methodology to locate the most optimal routing based on economical, technological and eco- logical criteria. The economical and technological criteria, and how these translate to the land- scape, will be identified together with Statnett and NVE. The ecological criteria will be identified
by experts from NINA, our research networks and existing knowledge. Methodology for calibra- tion of all criteria and their individual weights will be applied into the toolbox. The spatial com- ponent of all these criteria and other relevant criteria will together with the ecological high risk areas map form the basis of the least-cost path analysis.
The LCP-toolbox will aid decision makers in determining future routing of new power lines, and help in identifying high-risk segments with possibilities for rerouting or technically modifying power-line structures.
3.3.2 Research methods
• Literature review
• GIS-terrain modelling
• Statistical-prediction modelling
• LCP-methodology
3.3.3 Activities and findings
A pilot LCP-GIS-toolbox has been developed and will be further elaborated during 2010.
Data from the national power-line database from NVE has been organised for internal use in a restricted/classified database at NINA. This data is used together with ecological background data to identify case study areas.
In 2010 we will further develop the LCP-GIS-toolbox implementing calibration and classification of all criteria, and their individual weights, and applied in case study areas. Relevant map lay- ers, their classification and their individual weights will be identified in open-dialogue discus- sions with all relevant stakeholders.
Else, we will identify ecological high-risk areas for bird collisions using the national bird collision database, field observations and advanced statistical/GIS-modelling.
3.4 Mobile radar systems
Subproject responsibility: Roel May, Yngve Steinheim
Objectives:
• Identify bird hot-spots and high-risk areas for bird collisions using mobile radar technol- ogy and advanced GIS terrain modelling.
• Identify increased collision risk contributing factors for birds flying into power lines, and test the effectiveness of mitigating measures such as camouflaging and bird diverters.
This sub-project is temporarily suspended.
3.5 Power-line camouflaging
Subproject responsibility: Kjetil Bevanger, Steinar Refsnæs, Olle Håstad Objectives:
• Review available literature to assess weather camouflaging techniques is to be rec- ommended given the present knowledge on bird vision
• Review technical properties and constraints of camouflaging techniques on conductors and earth wires
3.5.1 Description of work
Assess power-line camouflaging techniques and assessment of effectiveness relative to pre- sent knowledge on bird vision
3.5.2 Research methods
Literature review.
3.6 Mitigating bird collisions and electrocution
Subproject responsibility: Kjetil Bevanger, Jan Ove Gjershaug, Steinar Refsnæs Objectives:
• Review available literature on technical modifying solutions and assess their effec- tiveness to mitigate bird collisions and electrocution.
3.6.1 Description of work
• Assess the effectiveness of reducing bird mortality by conductor marking equipment
• Assess the effectiveness of design methods and modifications to reduce electrocution hazard for birds
• Where and when are earth cabling and other technical alternatives to mitigate bird col- lisions with overhead wires justified from an ornithological point of view
3.6.2 Research methods
Literature review.
3.7 Guidelines for technical solutions to mitigate bird collisions and electrocution hazard
Subproject responsibility: Steinar Refsnæs, Kjetil Bevanger, Jan Ove Gjershaug Objectives:
• Determine the technical properties of conductor marking equipment.
• Establish cost effective line design modifications to mitigate bird strikes or electrocution hazard.
• Evaluate when and where underground (earth) cabling will be a technical and eco- nomic solution to mitigate bird strikes.
• Consider actual insulating cover techniques on preferred poles associated with bird electrocution
• Guidelines for technical solutions to mitigate bird strikes or electrocution hazard.
3.7.1 Description of work
Conductor marking equipment physically enlarges the wires may e.g. act as wind-catching ob- jects, encouraging icing in winter and increasing the risk of wire breakage and outage of power supply due to line tension and stress loads.
State of the art in how structures connected to energy production and supply should be de- signed or modified in order to minimize electrocution hazard. Although a significant job has been made in several countries to develop alternative constructions both to mitigate bird elec- trocution as well as collisions, these solutions may not be suitable for the environmental condi- tions we have in Norway. Actual line design modifications to consider are support- or suspen-
sion insulators, pole mounted transformers, elevated perch constructions, change critical dis- tances between phase-phase or phase-ground.
The main questions to be asked in relation to underground cables (UGC) are where and when are underground cabling and other technical alternatives a solution to mitigate bird strikes?
Actual insulating cover techniques to consider on preferred poles are e.g. insulated phase con- ductors, insulated cross arms and caps on support insulators).
NVE recently delivered a report (Johnson 2008) to the Ministry of Oil and Energy suggesting supporting structures as well as the phase conductors to be painted in green. ). Unfortunately, camouflaging power lines could give unwanted effects with respect to increased bird collision hazard, depending on how birds perceive a coloured wire. Some of the techniques may also cause physical damage through corrosion on the conductors.
3.7.1.1 Marking
• Literature review of conductor marking equipment
•
Ageing tests on conductor marking equipment•
Mitigating properties of marking equipment and their effect on OHL-equipment 3.7.1.2 Design• Literature review of design methods
• Design or modification in order to minimize electrocution hazard 3.7.1.3 Insulating
• Literature review of insulating cover techniques
•
Find suitable locations and establish testing of the mitigating properties of insulating cover techniques and their effect on OHL-equipment• Accelerated corrosion tests on OHTL equipment covered by insulating cover tech- niques
• Voltage withstand tests on OHTL equipment covered by insulating cover techniques
• Mitigating properties of insulating cover techniques and their effect on OHL-equipment 3.7.1.4 Camouflaging
• Literature review of camouflaging techniques
• Ageing tests on camouflaging conductors
• Camouflaging techniques and their effect on conductors 3.7.1.5 Cabling
• Literature review of actual cable design; 10 kV-72 kV (aerial / underground cable, UGC)
• Survey of failure rates of underground cable (UGC) and overhead lines (OHL)
• Voltage build-up in cables inserted in an OHL
• The issues of costs that are fundamental when it comes to comparing OHL and UGC
• Are the utilities able to ensure effective maintenance on mixed lines?
• Mitigating properties of cable down lead to ground transformers
• Where and when are earth cabling and other technical alternatives a solution to miti- gate bird strikes
• Mitigate bird electrocution as well as collisions, technical solutions
3.7.2 Research methods
• Literature reviews
• Comparative field studies in Lurøy by testing actual insulating cover techniques. Old conductors have to be replaced by new conductors in advance of the test period. The expenditures must be considered as a special topic.
• Field experiments regarding conductor marking equipment.
• Laboratory experiments, (i.e. tests on camouflaging conductors and conductor marking equipment)
3.8 Eagle Owl
Subproject responsibility: Jan Ove Gjershaug, Karl-Otto Jacobsen, Torgeir Nygård, Kjetil Bevanger
Objectives:
Assess eagle owl mortality caused by power-line collision and electrocution, and identify high- hazard structures.
Photo 1. The Eagle owl has status as endangered on the Norwegian Red List. Photo: Jan Ove Gjershaug.
3.8.1 Description of work
The Norwegian eagle owl population has experienced a steep decline since the 1950ies. The number of breeding pairs is now estimated to be something between 408-658 (Jacobsen et al.
2008), but a major national survey in 2008 revealed confirmed breeding in only 59 territories, while birds were present at 271 (Øien et al. 2009). The species is categorised as endangered (ED) on the Norwegian Red List (Gjershaug et al. 2006). The most important mortality factor for the species, and possibly the main reason for the population decline, is electrocution (Bevanger & Overskaug 1998). Based on input from NINA, the authorities launched a national action plan in 2009 for the species (Direktoratet for naturforvaltning 2009). The responsibility for the following up of this plan is given to the County Governor in Nordland.
In 2008 NINA initiated a pilot study on power lines and eagle owl on Solværøyene/Sleneset in the municipality of Lurøy in the county of Nordland, a study funded by the Directorate for Na- ture Management (Gjershaug & Jacobsen 2008). Our study area contains approximately 25 pairs of eagle owls, and the whole municipality of Lurøy has probably 40-50 pairs of eagle owls in good periods, which probably makes this the most suitable study area for eagle owls in Nor- way. Over the last twenty years members of the Rana Zoological Society have recorded 30-40 dead eagle owls in connection to utility structures, and about 90% of the specimens were killed by electrocution, the rest by collisions (Espen R. Dahl pers. comm.). This makes the area suit- able for e.g. mitigation experiments.
3.8.2 Research methods
The study will use the following approaches:
1) Use of GPS satellite telemetry to investigate to what extent the eagle owls uses the py- lons during hunting activities
2) Use of GPS satellite telemetry to map movements of and find electrocuted eagle owls 3) Collecting feathers of eagle owls from the nests for DNA analysis to get a mortality es-
timate for adults.
4) Searches beneath all power lines and pylons in the study area to find carcasses of ea- gle owls and other birds.
5) Investigate the breeding success of the eagle owls and evaluate how the mortality of adult birds affects the breeding success.
3.8.3 Activities and findings
In 2009 3 adult and 4 juvenile eagle owls were equipped with GPS-radio transmitters (Photo 2).
The first two adult birds were females. They both succeeded to remove the transmitters after one week by biting off the teflon bands that attach the transmitters to the back of the birds. This was unexpected, since prior experience with eagles has not shown this to be a problem. The transmitters were later found by tracking of their signals, and were reused on two other birds.
One of these birds was the adult male in the same pair as one of the females. This time we used a thin nylon wire inside the teflone band to make it stronger. The male gave signals in one week before the signals disappeared, probably due to lack of charging of the solar panel batteries. The results from one week of data from the male and female in the same pair are shown in Figure 2. Two of the four juvenile eagle owls with transmitters were found dead in the nesting area. A third bird left the nesting area and visited other islands before the signal disap- peared. The fourth juvenile left Solværøyene and gave signals from the island of Lovund and nearby islands before transmitting ceased in November (Figure 3).
Eagle owl feathers for future DNA analyses have been sampled. Searches were carried out beneath all power lines and pylons in the study area to find carcasses of eagle owls and other birds. Old bones from two eagle owls and three sea eagles were found beneath pylons, i.e.
electrocuted birds. They have all been overlooked last year because there was much more vegetation in July, when the last year’s investigations were carried out.
Figure 2. Movements of an eagle owl pair (female in red 14-18 June, male in green 17-21 July) in relation to a power line (pylons in yellow).
Figure 3. Movements of a juvenile eagle owl before transmitting ceased in November 2009.
Photo 2. Eagle-owl male equipped with radio transmitter. Photo: Jan Ove Gjershaug.
Photo 3. Eagle owl resting on a crossarm with top insulators of a 22-kW power line on Sleneset, Nordland County. A highly unsafe position for the bird. Photo: Jan Ove Gjer- shaug.
4 Publications, lectures, coverage in public media and conference participation related to the project
4.1 Publications
4.2 Lectures and conference participation
Bevanger, K. 2008. Pre- and post-construction studies of conflicts between birds and wind tur- bines in coastal Norway og Optimal design and routing of power lines; ecological, techni- cal and economic perspectives. Foredrag på intern FoU-dag i NVE (KTE/KTN) 9. de- sember, Oslo.
Bevanger, K. 2009. Fugl og kraftledninger - en kunnskapsstatus. Foredrag på FoU-seminar i Statnett 15.01., Oslo.
Bevanger, K. 2009. Vindkraft, kraftledninger og fugl – en kunnskapsstatus. Foredrag på workshop om vindkraft, kraftledninger og hubro, 24. februar 2009, Trondheim. Arrangør NVE og DN.
Bevanger, K. 2009. BirdWind and OPTIPOL. Kick-off seminar CEDREN 29.09., Trondheim.
Kick-off møte OPTIPOL. 23.04.2009, Trondheim.
Bevanger, K. 2009. Overordnede målsettinger i OPTIPOL og relasjoner til CEDREN.
Bevanger, K. 2009. Utfordringer ved bruk av fargekamuflering og merkemetoder på kraftled- ninger.Hvilke arter bør fokuseres i forhold til kollisjonsproblematikk; metodikk og pro- sjektdesign. Kick-off møte OPTIPOL. 23.04.2009, Trondheim.
Gjershaug, J.O. Hva trenger vi av ny kunnskap for å identifisere/verifisere kritiske strukturer i lednigsnettet; tiltakenes prioriteringsrekkefølge. Kick-off møte OPTIPOL. 23.04.2009, Trondheim.
Jacobsen, K.-O. 2009. Biologi og bestandsstatus hos hubro. Foredrag på workshop om vind- kraft, kraftledninger og hubro, 24. februar 2009, Trondheim. Arrangør NVE og DN.
May, R. 2009. Fugl på linja. Identifisering av “hot-spots” vha radar og optimalt trasévalg av kraftledninger. Kick-off møte OPTIPOL. 23.04.2009, Trondheim.
May, R. & Hanssen, F. 2009. OPTIPOL - optimalt trasévalg av kraftledninger. Møte Stat- nett/NVE. 24.06.2009, Oslo
May, R., Stokke, S. & Bevanger, K. 2009. Optimal design and routing of power lines; ecologi- cal, technical and economic perspectives. Hjortevilt og lineære strukturer. Møte om GPS samarbeid. 12.06.2009, Trondheim.
Refsnæs, S. 2009. Teknisk design og løsninger som reduserer faren for fuglekollisjoner eller elektrokusjon; muligheter og tekniske begrensninger. Kick-off møte OPTIPOL.
23.04.2009, Trondheim.
Stokke, S. & May, R. 2009. Power line rights-of-way (ROW) as wildlife biotopes. Kick-off møte OPTIPOL. 23.04.2009, Trondheim.
Vang, R. Nasjonal database for registrering av fugl drept pga. Kollisjon/elektrokusjon. Kick-off møte OPTIPOL. 23.04.2009, Trondheim.
4.3 Coverage in public media
Aftenposten – 15.10.2009. Tar mer ryper enn jegerne. Kjetil Bevanger.
Jakt & Fiske 16.10.2009. Rypas største trussel. Kjetil Bevanger.
Norges Jeger- og Fiskerforbund – 26.10.2009. Jakt med elektrisk spenning. Kjetil Bevanger.
5 References
Bevanger, K. 1998. Biological and conservation aspects of bird mortality caused by electricity power lines: a review. Biological Conservation 86: 67-76.
Bevanger, K. 1999. Estimating bird mortality caused by collision with power lines and electro- cution; a review of methodology. – Pp. 29-56 in Ferrer, M. & Janss, G.F.E. (eds.). Birds and power lines. Collision, electrocution and breeding. Querqus.
Bevanger, K. & Overskaug, K. 1998. Utility structures as a mortality factor for raptors and owls in Norway. S. 381-392 i: Chancellor, R.D., Meyburg, B.U. & Ferrero, J.J. (red.). Holarctic birds of prey. ADENEX-WWGBP.
Bevanger, K., Falldorf, T. & Strand, O. 2005. Highway 7 tunnels on Hardangervidda. Effects on wild reindeer - NINA Rapport 106. 40 pp.
Direktoratet for naturforvaltning 2009. Handlingsplan for hubro Bubo bubo. Rapport 2009-1.
Gjershaug, J.O. & Jacobsen, K.-O. 2009. Hubro i Lurøy og kraftforsyning. NINA Minirapport 251. 16 s.
Gjershaug, J.O., Kålås, J.A., Lifjeld, J., Strann, K.-B., Strøm, H. & Thingstad, P.G. 2006. Fugler Aves. S. 355-363 i Kålås, J.A., Viken, Å. & Bakken, T. (red.). Norsk Rødliste 2006 – 2006 Norwegian Red List. Artsdatabanken, Norge.
Jacobsen, K.-O. & Røv, N. 2007. Hubro på Sleneset og vindkraft. NINA Report 264. 33 pp.
Jacobsen, K.-O., Øien, I.J., Steen, O.F., Oddane, B. & Røv, N. 2008. Hubroens bestandsstatus i Norge. Vår Fuglefauna 31: 150-158.
Øien, I.J., Steen, O.F., Jacobsen, K.-O. & Oddane, B. 2009. Hubroen i Norge: Resultater fra nasjonal kartlegging i 2008. – Vår Fuglefauna 32: 150-156.
.
6 Appendices
Appendix 1. Project application to NFR as of June 4 2008.
Optimal design and routing of power lines; ecolog- ical, technical and economic perspectives
A project proposal to the Norwegian Research Council, 4 June 2008 Active partners
Kjetil Bevanger1, Henrik Brøseth1, Stig Clausen1, Jan Ove Gjershaug1, Frank Hanssen1, Roel May1, Hans Christian Pedersen1, Ole Reitan1, Roald Vang1, Sigbjørn Stokke1, Steinar Refsnæs2, Hallvard Faremo2, Eivin Røskaft3, Bård G. Stokke3, Olle Håstad4
1Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Tungasletta-2, NO-7485 Trondheim
2SINTEF Energiforskning AS, Sem Sælands vei 11, NO-7465 Trondheim, Norway
3The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Faculty for Natural Sciences and Technology, Department of Biology, Realfagbygget, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
4 Department of Evolutionary Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-75236 Uppsala, Sweden
Main institution
Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim.
PART 1: The KMB project 1 Objectives
Develop predicting tools for optimal routing of power lines from an environmental perspective and assess technical and economic solutions to minimize conflicts with wildlife and habitat conservation.
Subgoals
• Establish a national infrastructure for management of bird-collision data.
• Identify bird hot-spots and high-risk areas for bird collisions using mobile radar technology and advanced GIS terrain modelling.
• Build a least-cost path GIS-based application for optimal routing of power lines based on ecological, technical and economic criteria.
• Produce guidelines on how to transform power line rights-of-way into high quality wildlife biotopes.
• Assess bird and bat migration along power lines using mobile radar technology. Are power line rights-of-way: ecological corridors or barriers?
• Assess power-line visibility. Is it possible to increase human acceptance by camouflaging power lines without increasing bird death toll, or increase power-line visibility to mitigate bird-strike hazard without compromising aesthetic standards?
• Produce guidelines for technical solutions to mitigate bird strikes or electrocution hazard.
Where and when are earth cabling and other technical alternatives a solution?
2 Frontiers of knowledge and technology
Environmental as well as economic and aesthetic impacts of overhead wires and power-line corri- dors have been discussed world-wide for decades. The “First National Symposium on Environ- mental Concerns in Rights-of-Way Management” was e.g. held in Mississippi back in 1976 (Tilman 1976), the ninth symposium will take place in 2009 (http://wwaw.rights-of-way- env.com/index.htm). A frequent focus on birds and wildlife is reflecting both the ecological and economic importance of the problems; birds being electrocuted may e.g. result in power out- ages and thus have an economic impact. The fact that several vulnerable and endangered bird species, as well as small game species was documented as common victims (cf. review in Be- vanger 1994a), gave the problem its ecological and conservational dimension. Today, red lists with updated knowledge on threatened species together with international obligations to stop the biodiversity loss, make bird death due to electrocution or collision with power lines an ob- vious focal issue for energy as well as environmental managers.
Another focus of attention is the power-line corridors, which constitute an economic problem tying up huge land areas e.g. for the forestry sector. At the same time they constitute a specific habitat type which could benefit some species while others may suffer. Moreover, during the last 20 years power-line rights-of-way together with other linear infrastructure elements like roads, railways, fences and pipelines have been subject to discussions weather they are barriers or semi-barriers creating avoidance effects to animals. It is now recognized and documented that human encroachments and disturbance may have adverse impact on a wide range of mam- mals, birds and other wildlife species (Gill et al. 1996, Gill & Sutherland 2000, Frid & Dill 2002, Clevenger & Waltho 2005).
Collision problems regarding birds and overhead power lines are basically quite simple and connected to the fact that birds need free airspace for performing a normal life. Electrocution hazards could be significantly mitigated by design modifications of supporting structures of high tension power lines up to about 130 kV as well as for low voltage distribution. However, envi- ronmental and technical challenges connected to energy distribution, are frequently site and species specific, depending on a range of factors relating to environmental conditions as well as climatic, topographic and other non-biological issues. Thus a search for universal solutions to mitigate or remove all conflicts related to these issues is not a realistic approach due to the complexity of both the biological as well as the technical problem (review in Bevanger 1994a).
Also the development of effective site specific mitigating measures necessitates identification of intricate cause/effect relationships and target species.
A steadily increasing environmental stress has made mortality factors important that once were considered insignificant and thought to be compensated for among the survivors. Thus, the cumu- lative impact of additional mortality from electrocution, collisions with power lines, wind turbines, telegraph wires, ski lift wires, fences, windows, lighthouses, cars, aircrafts, trains etc. should not be dismissed as trivial (Baines & Andrew 2003, Barrios & Rodríguez 2004, Bevanger 1994a, Be- vanger & Brøseth 2000, 2001, 2004, Ogden 1996, Pedersen et al. 2004, Watson & Moss 2004).
“Not in my backyard” is a term commonly used to describe local opposition to projects giving some auditive or visual “pollution” like power lines or wind power turbines. The idea of “camouflaging”
power lines through paint coating is probably reflecting the opposition to power lines as a visual polluting element and has been an issue for several years (e.g. Statnett 1998). Unfortunately environmental and aesthetic considerations are commonly mixed into something which politicians may consider as a good solution, while an ecologist often identifies new ecological problems being generated. Power lines as well as the supporting structures can be made less visible to humans by using paint and colours matching the background, thus reducing the visual impact or “pollution”.
NVE recently delivered a report (Johnson 2008) to the Ministry of Oil and Energy suggesting sup- porting structures as well as the phase conductors to be painted in green. It is reported that the response from the minister was positive (http://www.tu.no/energi/article140362.ece). Unfortunate- ly, camouflaging power lines could give unwanted effects with respect to increased bird-collision hazard, depending on how birds perceive a coloured wire (Bevanger 1999b).
There are several technical issues related to birds and energy transmission, e.g. how should structures connected to energy production and supply be designed and constructed to minimize electrocution hazard. Engineers, in cooperation with ecologists, have a good record in identifying electrocution high-risk areas and modifying electrical equipment to avoid or reduce the electrocu- tion of birds (Ohlendorff et al. 1981, APLIC 2006, Lehman et al. 2007). Unfortunately, adoption and implementation of identified solutions has only been done to a limited extent in Norway, in spite of the fact that a particular concern about the electrocution and collision hazard to birds has been raised by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention) (Resolution 7.4 – Electrocution of migratory birds) and the Convention on the Con- servation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention) (cf. Recommendation No. 110) (Bern Convention 2004). Both the Bonn and Bern Convention are adopted by Nor- way. Recommendation No. 110 includes guidelines for a variety of remedial actions to be tak- en.
